Chapter 3

Water's Edge

I listened as they called after me. I raced towards the river. I was irritated because I knew that if I changed then they would be perfectly capable of knowing exactly where I'm going. But the fact was that I didn't even know where I was going, but I didn't want to face anyone. I only wished to be alone.

Their voices echoed off of the trees. My name rattled the branches. I could make out each voice perfectly. Everett's was by far the deepest and had the most volume. Ethan's was somewhat like Everett's but not quite as deep, and much less demanding in tone. Cedric's voice sounded hoarse due to his smoking habit. Dahlia's voice was nymph-like. It was shrill and showed the great depth of her lungs. Theo and Wade's voices were almost identical which made them easy to figure out.

But I listened for Carson's sweet and caring voice, but it wasn't there. He wasn't among them, I knew that. I couldn't hear or smell him among them. I admit that I became rather aggravated. Where is he? Does he not care about me like the others? I growled at an image of Carson's face and sighed. If any of the others weren't there I wouldn't be getting this irritated, would I? No, I don't believe I would.

I sighed in defeat as I came to the water's edge. I slumped gloomily against an ancient weeping willow tree. I listened as the hum of six familiar voices died away, leaving just the gurgling of the river as it swayed and maneuvered toward the Pacific. I listened to the lovely orchestra around me. Mother Nature's magnificent orchestra. I listened as crickets played their miniature violins, and sparrows and larks sang in a complex harmony. The branches danced to the rhythm. As I listened, I could feel myself becoming embraced by the rhythm. I swayed and moved to the water's edge. I walked along the edge toward a large rock. Although it was three or four feet taller than I, I easily leaped and landed at the top. I found a comfortable place and sat down. I felt so much more welcome in nature than I did in school or with friends at the mall. The woods were my home.

I laid down on the rock and gazed up at my ancestors. They winked and twinkled in the midnight sky, their brilliance glowing in shocking contrast to their bleak canvas. I relaxed and prepared myself for a night under the stars.

Chapter 4

Carson

I watched as she slowly became less tense. She began to unwind and settle herself amongst nature's bounty. She moved like a dancer, so graceful. I wished that I could know how she moved. I pictured her face and delicious shivers slithered down my spine, making my auburn fur stand on end. She was so exquisite and exceptionally gifted. I felt so mundane when I stood next to her, but I could never tell her how I feel. Our relationship could be ruined if I shared my feelings. I had grown used to not thinking about it when I knew that she could hear my thoughts, but because I was reckless with my thoughts of her just one time, everyone in our pack knows my feelings for her, except her.

I moved silently through the underbrush. I had to be especially careful because her hearing was much better than mine. I moved to where I was behind her, and then I settled myself among the fallen leaves. If she had heard my approach, she wasn't making anything of it. She must have been lost in thought. It would be nice if she is thinking of me. I instantly shook the thought from my mind. She could never love me in such a manner. She had far too many bachelors panting for her attention.

I growled. Even my own twin wanted her. I knew that if she were to be Cedric's that she would be just fine, but that wasn't what I wanted. If she was to become Mrs. McGregor, then I wanted it to be on my behalf.

I shivered with excitement at the thought of Ember having my last name. I couldn't help myself. But I knew that Cedric would be better for Ember than I would. He was stern and masculine, while I was more outgoing and sometimes careless. I would be happy with her decision no matter what she did. Even if she married a human I would be happy if she was. I cringed. Yuck…a human. Yes, I would be happy for her, but I wouldn't exactly be proud or understand her decision.

Humans were so fragile. Their bones were so easily fractured. Being around them puts us on our guards at all times. They were much weaker and slower than we were. It would be so easy to smash their skulls to the point when recognizing them is next to impossible. Their weak little bodies couldn't handle our blows. Even we can barely handle Ember's punches when she's angry, so how could a human?

I felt a little calmer after distinguishing that fact. I settled down and lay gawking at Ember as she stared at the stars. Then a voice was in my head that wasn't mine. Keep her safe. It was Scarlet's voice. Keep her safe for me, Carson.

Don't worry, Mrs. Croft. Ember is safe with me. I assured her.

I know, Carson. You love her too much. She giggled weakly.

I wanted to say something but she was gone. She had changed back. I sighed and watched as Ember leaped effortlessly from her perch. She walked to the river bank and began collecting pebbles.

I stood and stretched my hind legs quietly. I allowed myself to change back into human form. Once my jaw condensed and allowed me to speak, I stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight.

Chapter 5

Close Encounter

I was lost in confusion as I tried to compare Carson to Cedric. God knew that I loved them both, but I would have to choose one soon. Cedric was so strong and firm, while Carson was the exact opposite, though he was very strong, he was more easygoing. Cedric would have the strength to be a good protector, but Carson had the compassion and loyalty to make himself Cedric's equal. They were both physically beautiful beyond measure. It was easy to become lost in Carson's cerulean eyes, and hard to resist Cedric's sleek muscular composition. But I knew that I would have to choose one as my mate soon or it would have to be decided at The Arena.

I cringed. I couldn't allow that to happen. No man could find it in his heart to bludgeon his own brother to win the affections of a woman. This is the twenty-first century for Moon's sake! I just couldn't decide. I had to keep wondering and then maybe the answer would come to me. I could spend time with both of them separately, and I could get opinions from each wolf in the pack. Yeah, that would work.

I was considering asking for opinions when I felt warm arms around my waist. I felt myself go rigid for a moment, but then I realized that it was Carson. I relaxed and allowed my fists to loosen. He had leaned down quite a bit to allow himself to rest his chin on my shoulder. I turned in his arms and wrapped mine around his neck. He chuckled and kissed the top of my head. I immediately felt my face become hot. To hide my embarrassment I pressed my face into the nape of his neck. He was comfortable and made me sleepy as I laid my cheek against his collar bone. I nuzzled his neck with my nose and he rubbed the side of my face with his.

We stood there for what felt like hours of contentment, but then he sighed sadly. I pulled my face away and stared up into his. He was smiling, but his eyes were much too melancholy.

"What's wrong, Carson?" I asked, concerned.

He sighed again. He looked away and allowed his arms to slide off of my waist and let them to fall to his sides. I followed his example, as I saw his many emotions flicker on his face. He whispered, "I can't."

I cocked my head to one side, truly uneasy. He told me everything. "What can't you tell me, Carson? I'm your friend."

He winced and then glanced at me with so much grief in his eyes that it nearly broke my heart. "That's exactly it."

I didn't understand, and I told him so. He shrugged and I pondered what he meant. I racked my brain and finally it hit me so hard in the face that I couldn't believe that I had missed it before. The Arena. My decision. I stared at him and he immediately looked away in shame. I moved closer to him and lifted his face so that I may see his clearly.

He tried desperately to keep his eyes away from mine, but he eventually gave up and looked at me. His eyes pierced mine as he allowed me to see exactly what he felt.

I looked around me and saw that we were in The Arena. The ancient pillars colored with age stood with cracks, gaping all around us. Our entire pack was there. My Uncle Samuel sat with Aunt Vera on their pedestals. My mother and father sat next to them as they all gazed upon the field.

The crowd was silent as they waited with heavy anticipation. I looked to the tunnel and saw myself walking slowly from a tunnel on one side of the arena as Cedric and Carson moved out from the other end of the field. I moved to a platform towards the center of the field and stood with my hands knotted tightly around the railing. The twins slowly ambled to me and bowed. Each took a turn to reach up and kiss my hand while they said their vow.

If I should win this battle tonight, my lady

I shall ask to be forever at your side

And you at mine

We shall be together for all time

I will protect and love you

As your love will do for me tonight

And we shall become united

This is my vow to you

I shall claim you tonight

The pack howled and cheered for the man they wished would succeed. I could see me trembling on the platform, and I knew that even then that I wouldn't want that to happen. I stood straight and tall so that I may be heard above the crowd. "These men have courage and bravery, but do they have what I desire?" The pack chanted in response, "Yes these men have what you desire!" I looked at the twins with sorrow in my eyes. "You boys should not have to do this," I whispered so that only they may hear. "I'm so sorry," I could barely finish as a drop fell from my eyes.

They looked at each other with determination. The grasped each other in an embrace of eternal brotherhood. They whispered good wishes to each other and slowly backed away. They turned their backs and strolled promptly to either side of the arena.

I knew that only one would survive that night. My Carson stood next to me in the shadows as I watched his thoughts in horror. My mouth stood wide as I watched both twins transform. Cedric was much more muscular than Carson, especially in wolf form. His broad shoulders stood high on his back, and his legs were as thick as my waist.

Carson's slender body showed him to be a very attractive wolf, but I couldn't be sure if he could beat Cedric. He was not as strong, but he was much quicker and more accurate. His silky, auburn fur swayed in the autumn breeze.

I looked back at myself on the platform. She shouted reluctantly the ancient scriptures. "Let the blood flow and talons fly! Only one man may have me! Thus, whoever wins this battle tonight may have my hand! Murder is a crime in our kind, but tonight that law is temporarily suspended!"

At this remark, the crowd rose and exchanged their skin for fur. Once the pack could be seen as none other than a wolf pack, she changed herself and showed her obsidian fur that shimmered an eerie blue in the moonlight. Her golden eyes gleamed with excitement as she howled to start the battle.

The pack howled in response, and the battle began. The twins slowly circled each other with their teeth bared. Carson went first, and he made a mistake. He charged at Cedric and lunged at his hind legs. Cedric easily turned his back on Carson and sent him flying with a kick to the chest. Carson thudded to the ground, but swiftly got to his feet. Before he stood, Cedric stormed at him wrestled him back to the ground. Once there, Cedric tore at his brother's shoulder. Carson yelped in pain, but he kicked Cedric off and jumped to his feet.

Cedric rushed him again. He went for Carson's left flank, but he missed. Seizing the opportunity, Carson sprung himself onto Carson's back and dug deep into the muscle with his claws. With Cedric squirming wildly beneath him, Carson slit his talons down Cedric's back. Cedric jumped and fell to the ground. Carson charged him as he got to his feet, but he was too quick. Cedric slashed Carson's chest with his claws and sent him to the ground.

Cedric jumped on top of him and pinned him. I'm so sorry brother. Cedric apologized with genuine pity in his eyes.

Carson glanced at her and saw her watching with horror on her face at what she knew would be the end. The looked back at his brother and bared his teeth in a smile. So am I.

Before Cedric could react, Carson drove his fangs into Cedric's throat. Cedric roared in pain and jumped around trying to shake his little brother off of him, but Carson wouldn't let go. Slowly, Cedric started to stop resisting. He fell to the ground and looked at the wolf that he loved on the platform. Take care of him, Ember. He whispered in his mind. He saw her nod, shocked, and he allowed himself to die looking at his love.

I shook my head and closed my eyes. When I opened them again I found myself on the riverbank with Carson. His eyes were filled with moisture at what he had to witness. I hugged him tightly. "You're afraid that you'll have to kill your brother."

He sighed, relieved that I understood. "I would have to if it came to that; he wouldn't give up until he won you."

I couldn't think of anything to say. He took my hand and set it in the crook of his arm and led me along the riverbank. We walked in silence, listening to the water lapping at the sand. Eventually he stopped me and pulled off his jacket. He laid it out on the sand and motioned for me to sit on it with him. I sat obediently and pulled him down playfully, catching him off guard. He tumbled on top of me and we laughed.

I sighed, content. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him staring at me. I almost asked him what he was doing, but I decided to let him continue. I could see that his eyes were full of compassion and love. He chuckled and put his arm around my shoulders. I felt pressure there, and I looked at him. He gently pulled me toward him and allowed me to settle my head on his chest. He lay back on his jacket and looked up as I laid there.

"Have you come to a decision?" he asked, startling me. "I don't mean to pry. If you don't want to tell me it's understandable."

I groaned, "No. I'm trying so hard. I don't want this to be decided in The Arena."

He shrugged. "If that's the way it has to be, then there's no other way."

I shook my head. "That's not how it has to be. I just have to come to my senses and realize who I really want."

He went rigid, and I looked up at him. I saw that his cheeks were red and it made me smile. "What are you thinking about, Carson?"

His face burned a deeper crimson. "It's nothing."

I cocked an eyebrow. "It doesn't look like nothing. Carson, you know that you can tell me anything."

He furrowed his eyebrows, concentrating on what to say. "I know, Em, but this is–" He stopped, trying to find the words. "I mean–er–" Finally he sighed, exasperated with himself. "I was curious to see what you thought of me. How I measure up to Cedric. What makes the decision hard?"

He looked at me anxiously. Now it was my turn to turn red. "Um…well, you see," I didn't know where to start. "You both are total opposites. I have to choose which opposite that I prefer. He's aggressive and stern and you're a total sweetheart and you're completely adorable."

Ugh…there, I said it! I looked at him with scrutinizing eyes. He didn't seem to falter. His composure hadn't changed in the least. "Thank you," he said simply.

We watched the sky until I realized that I was beginning to fall asleep. Carson nudged my shoulder softly. "Ember? Come on, Em. We should get going."

I looked around and realized that I was still on the riverbank with Carson. I groaned and wrapped my arms tightly around his shoulders, "Can't we stay longer?"

He laughed at my silliness. "Your mother is worried. They packed up the camp and went home. They didn't want to take a chance staying out here tonight."

My eyes shot opened. All of my memories of that night flooded back to me. Susie's corpse, the note, my mother, everyone gone, and the sweet change. I leaped to my feet and yanked Carson up by the arm. "Oh, crap! Come on! Let's go!"

He sighed. "Ember?"

I looked in his direction, but I couldn't see him. His arms circled around me and twisted me around as he wrestled me to the sand. I laughed at his normal attitude. We always wrestled and threw each other around, but somehow that night seemed different. We wrestled and laughed. I tried to get up and run away, playfully, and he grabbed my arms and pinned me against a tree. At first I thought that I had made him angry, but when I looked at him, he had a wide grin on his face.

I laughed and playfully attempted to pull away. He brought his face down to mine and moved it to my ear. There he whispered, "I love you, Ember Olivia Croft."

I was too stunned to react. He smiled wider at my reaction, grabbed his jacket, and took off at full speed. Once I got a hold of myself I easily caught up with him. We ran and slowly our bones popped and cracked to life. We laughed and jumped as we ran until our laughing became grumbling and yelps of happiness. Our muscles touched, and our fur brushed. I glanced down as I saw black and red fur combine.

The sounds of our feet thudding against the fallen leaves as we ran home were simultaneous. We ran as though we were one. I looked at the wolf beside me, but he was already looking at me. Is he the one? He didn't notice my thoughts. I was thankful that he couldn't hear them unless I wanted him to, because a life with him flashed before my eyes. Two little girls and a young brother played on the floor as I held my youngest daughter in my arms. My husband came home and kissed my lips with so much tenderness that color filled my cheeks. He picked up each child and kissed them on the forehead, saving his youngest in her mother's arms for last.

I shook my head and Carson was laughing inside. What are you laughing at?

Nothing. I just thought that our daughter was really cute is all.

I scowled. I let my thoughts get away from me. I thought, making sure that he couldn't hear me.

We ran in silence until we reached my backyard. We changed back and stepped through my back door together. We walked side by side into the parlor. There I saw my father with a worried expression. My good mood suddenly vanished.

"Daddy, what's wrong?" I asked, nervously.

He looked at me sadly. "Ember, dear, the entire pack is downstairs in the meeting room."

I was confused as to why it concerned him so. I pressed, "What is it, Daddy? What's going on?"

He sighed. "Come with me, sweetheart. You need to come too, Carson. Warren, Myra, and Cedric are waiting for you there, too."

Carson nodded, "Yes, Maverick." He looked at me with worry in his eyes, but continued downstairs.

My father tried to take my arm, but I pulled away. "Daddy, what's going on?"

He looked at the floor and shook his head. "Uncle Samuel called a meeting about you." He sighed, his eyes full of apologies. "We need to talk."